By Alan Wilson

PRISONER ESCORT company Reliance refused to comment last night on a claim that five of its officers have been suspended in Tayside pending inquiries into prisoners being released in error.

The Courier understands that two officers who normally operate at the sheriff court in Dundee and three at the court in Perth have been suspended while inquiries into their handling of the prisoners continue.

That, along with staff illness and holidays means that Reliance is operating just above 50% of its full capacity, a court source claimed.

“One of the guys was suspended after a prisoner who should have been taken back to Perth Prison was released, despite his papers being clearly marked that he wasn’t to be released,” the source said.

“I don’t know if it’s company policy to suspend people automatically for it, but there’s quite a few of them off just now.

“I think it’s a shame if they get suspended automatically without any real investigation first. It’s like you’re guilty until proven innocent, which is the opposite of our justice system.”

Since winning the prisoner escort service contract in 2004 the company has been heavily criticised because of the number of prisoners it released in error.

A Reliance spokesman said he was unable to confirm or deny the claim regarding officer suspensions.

He said, “Any disciplinary issues are a confidential matter between the company and its staff. Reliance continues to support all its staff who do a highly professional job, often in difficult circumstances.”